Nagashima Spaland: Rides, Tickets & Hot Springs Guide
What Makes Nagashima Spaland Worth the Trip
Nagashima Spaland (長島スパーランド) is one of Japan's largest amusement parks, and one of the least known among international visitors. Located in Kuwana, Mie Prefecture — just 30 minutes by direct bus from Nagoya — the park opened in 1966 and has grown into a full resort complex that pairs world-class roller coasters with a massive hot spring facility, a winter illumination park, and an outlet mall.
What makes Nagashima distinctive is the combination. You can ride Steel Dragon 2000 — one of Japan's longest and tallest coasters — in the afternoon, then soak in an outdoor onsen that recreates Kurobe Gorge by evening. Few places in Japan let you combine adrenaline and relaxation this efficiently. For an overview of Mie theme park destinations, Nagashima is the anchor.
The park draws primarily Japanese domestic visitors, so English signage is limited but improving. Crowds are manageable on weekdays, with weekends and holidays (especially Golden Week and Obon) being significantly busier.
Top Rides and Attractions
Roller Coasters and Thrill Rides
Nagashima Spaland is a coaster park at heart. The lineup includes over a dozen roller coasters spanning steel, wooden, and inverted types — one of the highest concentrations in Japan.
The headline attraction is Steel Dragon 2000, a hypercoaster that held the record as the world's longest roller coaster at its 2000 opening. For a detailed guide to riding it — including front-row strategies and what to expect — see our Steel Dragon 2000 guide.
Beyond the coasters, the park includes family rides, a spinning tower, and character-themed areas including Hello Kitty Land, which occupies a dedicated section of the resort. There is enough variety for a full day regardless of your thrill tolerance.
Joyful Waterpark (Summer Only)
During summer months, the adjacent Joyful Waterpark opens with water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. It operates as a separate area with its own admission or can be included with certain ticket combinations. Note that tattoos are not permitted in the waterpark — the same policy as the onsen.
Tickets: Ride Passport vs Entry-Only
Ticket Types and Prices
According to the Nagashima Spaland official site, the main ticket options are:
| Ticket Type | Adult | Child (Elementary) | What's Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ride Passport (フリーパス) | ~¥6,500 (~$43) | ~¥4,800 (~$32) | Unlimited rides all day |
| Entry Only | Lower | Lower | Park access; pay per ride |
Prices shown are approximate 2025 weekday rates; check the official site for current pricing as rates vary by season and day type.
The Ride Passport is the clear choice for anyone planning to ride more than 3-4 attractions. Entry-only tickets make sense only if you are accompanying riders and plan to sit out most attractions. Many visitors on TripAdvisor and Reddit emphasize that the passport pays for itself quickly.
Combo Deals with Onsen and Illumination
Ride Passport holders can access Yuami no Shima onsen for free on weekdays — a significant perk worth ¥1,700. On weekends and holidays, a separate onsen ticket is required. Seasonal combo tickets that bundle the park with Nabana no Sato illumination are sometimes available during winter — check the resort website before your visit.
Yuami no Shima: Hot Springs After the Rides
Yuami no Shima (湯あみの島) is the resort's dedicated hot spring complex, located adjacent to the amusement park and connected by free shuttle. According to the official Yuami no Shima site, the facility spans 33,000 square meters and features 15 types of indoor and outdoor baths.
The design recreates famous natural landscapes from across Japan — the men's bath area features a recreation of Kurobe Gorge (黒部峡谷) from Toyama Prefecture, while the women's area recreates Oirase Stream from Aomori. The outdoor baths are the highlight, with rock formations, waterfalls, and garden settings that feel closer to a ryokan than a theme park facility.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Hours | 10:00-22:00 (last entry 21:00) |
| Admission | ¥1,700 (~$11) adults, ¥900 (~$6) children (towel included) |
| With Ride Passport | Free on weekdays |
| Closed | Open year-round |
| Reservation | Not required |
Standard onsen etiquette applies: bathing is nude, separated by gender, and tattoos are not permitted. The facility provides towels, shampoo, and body wash.
Nabana no Sato: Winter Illumination
Nabana no Sato (なばなの里) is a flower park within the Nagashima Resort complex that transforms into one of Japan's largest illumination displays during winter. According to the official Nabana no Sato site, the display uses approximately 8 million LED bulbs and runs from late October through May.
The illumination runs from 17:00 to 21:00 during the display period. Admission is approximately ¥2,400 (~$16) for adults. The centerpiece tunnel of lights and the main themed display change each year, drawing large crowds — particularly on weekends in December.
Nabana no Sato is a separate facility from the amusement park and requires its own ticket. It is possible to visit the park during the day and the illumination in the evening, but this makes for a very long day. Many visitors choose one or the other.
Getting to Nagashima from Nagoya
Nagashima Resort sits on Ise Bay near the Aichi-Mie border, and Nagoya is the main gateway city.
Direct bus (recommended): From Nagoya Meitetsu Bus Center (adjacent to Nagoya Station), direct buses run to Nagashima Resort in approximately 30 minutes. The fare is ¥1,100 (~$7) one way. Buses run frequently, but book ahead during peak periods (summer weekends, illumination season, Golden Week).
By train: Take the JR Kansai Main Line or Kintetsu Nagoya Line to Kuwana Station (桑名駅), approximately 20-25 minutes from Nagoya. From Kuwana, local buses reach the resort in about 20 minutes. This route takes longer overall but is covered by Japan Rail Pass.
By car: From the Isewangan Expressway, take the Wangan-Nagashima IC exit — the resort is 5 minutes away. Paid parking is available on-site.
Within the resort complex, free shuttle buses connect the amusement park, Yuami no Shima, Nabana no Sato, and the outlet mall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit Nagashima Spaland and the onsen in one day?
Yes. A common pattern is to ride coasters during the day (4-5 hours), then walk or shuttle to Yuami no Shima for 1-2 hours of hot spring bathing. On weekdays, Ride Passport holders get free onsen access — making this an excellent value combination. On weekends, onsen admission is ¥1,700 (~$11) extra.
How much does a day at Nagashima Spaland cost?
The Ride Passport costs approximately ¥6,500 (~$43) for adults and ¥4,800 (~$32) for children. Add ¥1,100 (~$7) for the bus from Nagoya each way. Onsen is free with the passport on weekdays or ¥1,700 (~$11) on weekends. Budget roughly ¥10,000-12,000 (~$67-80) per adult for a full day including transport, rides, and onsen.
Is the direct bus from Nagoya reliable?
Yes. The Meitetsu direct bus departs from Nagoya Station and takes approximately 30 minutes. Service runs frequently, but advance booking is recommended during peak periods — summer weekends, Golden Week, and the winter illumination season.
Are tattoos allowed at Nagashima?
Tattoos are not permitted at Yuami no Shima onsen or Joyful Waterpark. The main amusement park rides have no tattoo restriction. Cover-up stickers may not be accepted at the onsen or waterpark — check the official Nagashima Resort website for the latest policy before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I visit Nagashima Spaland and the onsen in one day?
- Yes. A common pattern is to ride coasters during the day (4-5 hours), then walk or shuttle to Yuami no Shima for 1-2 hours of hot spring bathing. On weekdays, Ride Passport holders get free onsen access — making this an excellent value combination. On weekends, onsen admission is ¥1,700 (~$11) extra.
- How much does a day at Nagashima Spaland cost?
- The Ride Passport costs approximately ¥6,500 (~$43) for adults and ¥4,800 (~$32) for children. Add ¥1,100 (~$7) for the bus from Nagoya each way. Onsen is free with the passport on weekdays or ¥1,700 (~$11) on weekends. Budget roughly ¥10,000-12,000 (~$67-80) per adult for a full day including transport, rides, and onsen.
- Is the direct bus from Nagoya reliable?
- Yes. The Meitetsu direct bus departs from Nagoya Station and takes approximately 30 minutes. Service runs frequently, but advance booking is recommended during peak periods — summer weekends, Golden Week, and the winter illumination season.
- Are tattoos allowed at Nagashima?
- Tattoos are not permitted at Yuami no Shima onsen or Joyful Waterpark. The main amusement park rides have no tattoo restriction. Cover-up stickers may not be accepted at the onsen or waterpark — check the official Nagashima Resort website for the latest policy before visiting.